Tajikistan mandates 20-minute daily exercise breaks for all workers

Tajikistan has introduced a new law requiring all employees to take a 20-minute daily exercise break. The measure is part of broader efforts to tackle obesity and diabetes. President Emomali Rahmon signed the amendments to the Healthcare Code on 17 June 2022. The country first introduced mandatory Saturday morning workouts for civil servants and state employees in 2018. These sessions lasted around 30 minutes and started at 7:00 AM. Some organisations had already adopted voluntary group exercises before the new law.

The latest rule applies to every workplace in Tajikistan, no matter the ownership. Employers must provide suitable conditions for the workouts and join in the activities themselves. The exercise break is separate from existing meal or coffee breaks.

Beyond physical activity, the new legislation also prioritises diabetes prevention and treatment. The government aims to improve overall public health through these steps. The daily exercise break is now a legal requirement across all Tajik workplaces. Employers and employees must participate, with the goal of reducing obesity and diabetes rates. The law builds on earlier initiatives to promote fitness in the country.